Your brakes are absolutely essential to the safe operation of your vehicle. If you don’t bring your vehicle in for maintenance every 18,000 miles, there is a very good chance that your brakes will fall into disrepair and need to be worked on. Today, we’re looking at the most common signs that your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM is in need of a brake repair at your Indianapolis, IN Chrysler dealer.
Your Car Makes Funny Sounds
One of the most common signs that your brakes are in disrepair is funny sounds that occur when you slow or stop your vehicle or release your brakes. For example, you may hear a clicking sound if the components that hold your brake pads against your brake rotors are warped due to excessive heat exposure. For instance, the clips, bolts, or pins that are responsible for holding your brake pads together may become damaged.
You also may hear squealing as your brake system falls into disrepair. Squealing occurs when the metal of your brake rotor grinds against the metal indicator strip that lies beneath the brake pad. When your brake pads are so worn that the metal indicator is exposed, your brake system is in such disrepair that your stopping distance will be increased drastically. This is particularly dangerous when the roads are wet and a short stopping distance is crucial.
Your Brake Pedal Vibrates
There is also a chance that your brakes need to be repaired if your brake pedal vibrates when you depress or release your brake pedal. A vibrating brake pedal is caused by prolonged excessive heat exposure unevenly melting the adhesive that helps to keep your brake rotor together. When your brake rotor is not exposed to excessive heat, the adhesive melts and spreads evenly.
Your Brake Fluid Is Leaking
Another common sign that you need to have your brakes repaired is an indication that you have a brake fluid leak. To tell that your brake fluid is leaking, check your brake fluid level monthly. If your brake fluid level is low, you need to schedule a service appointment right away.
However, you may have a slow leak and need to check your brake fluid level consistently over the course of several months to detect a leak. You also can tell that you have a brake fluid leak by its distinct smell of fishy oil. It is extremely difficult to tell whether you have a brake fluid leak by seeing fluid beneath your vehicle because brake fluid comes in so many colors depending on the brand.
There are several signs that you may be in need of a brake job, including funny sounds, a vibrating brake pedal, and signs of a brake fluid leak. If you have noticed any of the aforementioned signs of brakes in disrepair, contact us today at Tom O’Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram – Indianapolis on E 96th St to schedule a service appointment.
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